Child Fund Zambia committed to advancing children’s rights

Child Fund Zambia National Director Ely Keita says his organisation remains committed to promoting communities that participate in valuing, protecting and advancing the rights of children.

Mr. Keita noted that his organisation realises that the needs of children are great and that the children count on organisations such as Child Fund to make a difference in their lives.

He said it is for this reason that the organisation’s strategic focus between now and 2016 will be to grow its funding base so that more children are supported and lasting solutions created.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka this morning ahead of the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting which falls on March 3rd 2013, Mr. Keita pledged the organisation’s continued support in working with children at every stage of their lives.

He said Child Fund will also continue working with families of the children involved and the communities until such a time when an environment where children can thrive is created.

Mr. Keita further noted that the theme for this year’s commemorations which is “Hear Our Voices, Protect Us, We are the future” is timely as it goes with the organisation’s mission of providing a positive and sustainable environment for the deprived, excluded and vulnerable children.

He noted that it is important for children to be given opportunities to express themselves as it is the only way of realising their potential.

Mr. Keita added that giving chance to children to voice out enables leaders in strategic positions to come up with right policies to address their welfare.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kieta disclosed that last year the organisation launched the Country Strategic Plan for 2012 – 2016 based on poverty analysis in Zambia for the next five years where it also intends to expand its reach and depth to benefit 1,000,000 children, youths and families.

He further announced that Child Fund will next month launch a five year project amounting to US$7.6 million that will focus on the training of 6,000 young people in nursing.

Mr. Keita said the organisation will work with 16 nursing schools throughout the country during the implementation of the project.

On 3rd March, 2013, Zambia will join the rest of the world in commemorating the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting.

The day provides children and young people with a platform on which various stakeholders in child development can hear opinions, perspectives and stories affecting the rights of children.